The SNP has lost control of Argyll and Bute Council — following months of political wrangling and an eleventh hour bid by other members to form a new administration.

A new ruling coalition between Independent, Conservative and Liberal Democrats was formed to the disappointment of the Scottish National Party which accused them of deploying “covert” tactics.

The party had earlier been in talks with the mainly independent group Argyll and Bute Alliance For Change in a hopeful bid of forming an administration together but these collapsed after councillors discovered the non-political group had instead decided to join forces with the Tories and Lib Dems.

Ex council leader Dick Walsh has been elected to lead the new ruling group, whilst Helensburgh councillor Ellen Morton has stepped in as depute leader.

The development follows months of in-fighting, which has seen Audit Scotland investigations, and a number of resignations and new leaders.

Lib Dem councillor Ellen Morton said: “There’s been several months of uncertainty in Argyll and Bute.

“There’s been a clear loss of direction since Spring but we now have a stable administration.

“The other issue has been the involvement of Audit Scotland which is not a good position for the council to be in.

“We don’t know why talks with the SNP collapsed but we were in a position to come to an understanding.

“We need to act together regardless of party politics. People didn’t vote for us to like other councillors, they voted for us to make the right decisions for them.”

Speaking at last Thursday’s meeting, Councillor Walsh paid tribute to former leader Councillor Roddy McCuish, who resigned as leader for the second time this year, saying: “Today’s decision forms a platform for progress and there is a real willingness for councillors to work together for the best possible outcome for the people of Argyll and Bute.”

An SNP statement noted: “We are disappointed that these negotiations have been carried out covertly and with disdainful disregard to our partnership discussions.

“Time will tell whether this arrangement, which will be delivered through a group of multiple self-interests, can stand the test of time and will realise the necessary stability.

“We wish the new coalition well in the knowledge that there remain some colleagues within the Change Alliance with whom we have worked in the past, and will happily work with again in the future should the opportunity arise.”

Helensburgh SNP councillor James Robb added: “It has always been my view that the Alliance For Change was not serious so it was no surprise when they formed a last hour deal with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

“But the opposition largely supported our policy slate and there’s always been policy stability so this should have little effect on the day to day working of the council.

“We will try and be a constructive opposition, something that was lacking in the previous council, but we wish the new members well.”